REMEMBER - Addictions can be more powerful than love. Many adults addicted to drugs and alcohol will ignore and reject the pleas of a loved one to stop. They will neglect or abuse their spouse and children to meet the biological effects of addition. They will steal and lie to loved ones when the reward centers in the brain become so strongly connected to the addictive behavior, that it becomes automatic. The addict's brain is wired to choose the addiction.

Doctors prescribe medications to relieve pain and suffering. Unfortunately, some of their patients become addicted to and then abuse prescription medications.

Drugs, Brains and Behavior. Some of the most addictive drugs that, if abused, can seize control of the brain include nicotine; opiates, heroin, morphine, and other painkillers; tranquilizers; cocaine, alcohol; marijuana; and methamphetamines.

Addiction is defined as a potentially destructive behavior which is demonstrated by the inability of the user to regularly consume or use a product, drug, or substance, despite the problems (health, family, legal, etc.) which result from doing so.

The dictionary explains that addiction of any kind means to surrender to something, thus relinquishing agency and becoming dependent on some life-destroying substance or behavior.

Abuse is also defined as excessive use of a substance, behavior, or drug, but which does not require continued use/consumption on a regular basis, and which may be stopped with relatively minimal effort.

There is a mechanism in our brain called the pleasure center. When activated by certain drugs or behaviors, it overpowers the part of our brain that governs our willpower, judgment, logic and morality. This leads the addict to abandon what he knows is right.

What You Can Do

If you believe you or a family member
is either addicted or abusing a substance or exhibiting an addictive
behavior, we strongly urge you to contact a professional for assistance.